Not all libraries, however, use social networking software to promote their services, some libraries view social networking software as too new, too trendy. Some libraries even have the websites for MySpace.com and Facebook.com banned in their libraries. This may be due to funding issues or it may be due to a library's management. See the ALA's information about the [http://www.ala.org/offices/oif/ifissues/onlinesocialnetworks role of DOPA]

Not all libraries, however, use social networking software to promote their services, some libraries view social networking software as too new, too trendy. Some libraries even have the websites for MySpace.com and Facebook.com banned in their libraries. This may be due to funding issues or it may be due to a library's management. See the ALA's information about the [http://www.ala.org/offices/oif/ifissues/onlinesocialnetworks role of DOPA]

Revision as of 07:20, 30 January 2013

Social networking software is a new approach in some academic and public libraries today in order to make libraries not only "cool" in the public's eyes, but also as a third space in which potential library users can participate in an collaborative exchange with their libraries. It also may allow users to build relationships with the library staff and other library users.

Examples of social networking software include MySpace.com, Friendster.com, and Facebook.com. These sites allows users to create pages in which others (potential library users) can view and provide feedback. Some academic and public libraries have created MySpace or Facebook pages in an attempt to promote and extend their library services such as reader's advisory, and third party applications can add increasing usability to to pages.

3rd Party Facebook Application for the Library

Increasingly, applications are being developed by third party software companies which add greater functionality to Facebook pages. For the library, these applications can create legitimate research portals out of their Facebook pages, transforming what was once a marketing tool into what can now be a research tool.

San Francisco PL has created a Widgetbox to allow users to search their OPAC through Facebook, and other libraries are following suit.

Sirsi Dynix has created a fully integrated Facebook solution for libraries for a fee.

Apps for Fan Pages is a list all of the generic apps that are available for installation on a library's fan page, including Twitter, Flickr, and YouTube. A few apps worth noting for libraries include RSS (to import any feeds from the library, such as a blog or new additions to the collection) Google Maps (for location of the library and events), Feedback and FAQ (to encourage interaction with patrons and improve service). Apps for presentations and file sharing may also be useful for libraries.

Many potentially useful apps are only available for profiles, not for pages. Here is an app that might be useful for librarians with profiles:

Not all libraries, however, use social networking software to promote their services, some libraries view social networking software as too new, too trendy. Some libraries even have the websites for MySpace.com and Facebook.com banned in their libraries. This may be due to funding issues or it may be due to a library's management. See the ALA's information about the role of DOPA

Social Media Aggregators

As seen above many libraries are using social media networks to keep their patrons informed, however trying to manage all of them becomes increasingly difficult the more services you subscribe to. One solution is to use a third party aggregator service to manage the all in one place.

Social Media at the Mudd Library Seeley G. Mudd Library at Lawrence University has created a web page where all official social networking accounts are listed along with the library's social media mission statement.

Will Richardson's blog - Great information/ideas from an educator's perspective. Will did a recent article in Technology and Learning 2005 called Blog Revolution on the educational benefits of blogging for/with students.
Richardson, W. (2005). Blog Revolution. Technology and Learning, 26(3), 48. Retrieved July 1, 2007, from the Wilson Web database.

Public of Library Science Blog focuses on taking a lead on transformation in research communication. The topics that this blog focuses on is science and medicine. Their mission is to promote greater understanding of the breakthrough technology that is emerging.